Admissions Information

Boston University Undergraduate Bulletin

Admission of Freshmen
Special Admissions Req uirements for Specific Programs
Advanced Standing and Credit by Examination
Early Decision
Early Admission
January Admission
Deferred Admission
Admission of International Students
Admission of Transfer Students
Intra-University Transfer
Second Bachelor's Degrees
Visiting Students
Special Admissions Information for Schools and Colleges
College of Arts & Sciences
College of Communication
School of Education
College of Engineering
College of Fine Arts
College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College
School of Management

Boston University attracts a diverse group of academically talented and highly motivated students representing all 50 states and 100 countries. The University is proud of its long history of providing a wide range of academic, professional, and cultural opportunities for talented students.

Boston University accepts the Common Application exclusively. To complete your application and the required Boston University Supplement, please visit The Common Application.

Campus Visits

Students are invited to visit the campus to gain a more comprehensive view of the University, its students, faculty, and facilities. Prospective undergraduate students and their families are encouraged to attend an information session, tour the campus, visit a class, or have lunch with a current student. Day and overnight visits are also available.

Admissions Reception Center Prospective undergraduate students start their visit at the Admissions Reception Center, located at 121 Bay State Road. On weekdays and select Saturdays during the academic year, the Reception Center conducts information sessions and guided campus tours. Students may schedule their campus visit at Admissions Calendar. During the summer months, the Reception Center is closed on Saturdays, but a weekday schedule of tours and information sessions is offered. For the most current tour and information session schedules, please contact the Reception Center at 617-353-2318 or visit Visiting Boston University.

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Admission of Freshmen

In order for a student to be considered for admission to Boston University, the Board of Admissions must receive a completed Common Application and Boston University Supplement, an official secondary school transcript, teacher and counselor recommendations, and an essay no longer than 500 words. A Midyear Report Form is also required of freshman applicants and, if admitted, proof of secondary school graduation indicating satisfaction of all state graduation requirements. Students who do not intend to graduate from a regionally accredited secondary school must submit results of the General Education Development (GED) examination. Home-schooled students should contact Admissions for further information.

Students applying for admission must also submit the SAT or the ACT. ACT scores that do not include the writing section will not meet the standardized testing requirement for admission

Freshman applicants to most programs will also be required to submit the results of two SAT Subject Tests. Visit Requirements and Standards for specific Subject Test requirements.

Please be aware that the official results of standardized tests must be submitted to Boston University directly from either the College Board or ACT, even if the scores are recorded on the student’s high school transcript. We will not accept scores reported on high school transcripts or copies of paper score reports.

The application deadline for Regular Decision is January 1. The Early Decision deadline is November 1. Applications for the Accelerated Medical and Dental programs, as well as the Trustee Scholarship; the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship; and the Alexander Graham Bell Scholarship have a deadline of December 1.

Some of the schools, colleges, and degree-granting programs of the University require additional materials for admission such as writing samples, portfolios, or auditions. Depending on the program of application, deadlines may also vary. For additional requirements, see the “Special Admissions Requirements for Specific Programs” section below, or refer to the specific section elsewhere in this bulletin. If English is not the primary language spoken in the home, or if English is not the student’s native language, students must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). For further information, contact TOEFL Services, Educational Testing Service, P.O. Box 6151, Princeton, NJ 08541-6151 U.S.A.; 609-771-7100 (TTY 609-771-7714); via e-mail at toefl@ets.org; or visit TOEFL. In lieu of the TOEFL Exam, students may also submit results of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). For more information on the TOEFL and IELTS, visit English Language Proficiency. Information on IELTS may be obtained at IELTS.

The Board of Admissions carefully reviews every application for undergraduate admission. Students most competitive for admission will have excelled in the most challenging coursework available to them. The Board places primary emphasis on the strength of a student’s secondary school record. For most programs at the University, the recommended high school/secondary school curriculum includes:

four years of English;
three to four years of mathematics (pre-calculus/calculus recommended);
three to four years of laboratory science;
three to four years of history and/or social science;
two to four years of a foreign language.

The scores of required tests (SAT or ACT), teacher and counselor recommendations, and other personal qualifications as demonstrated by extracurricular activities are also carefully evaluated and weighed before admission decisions are made. Your application essay is significant, because it demonstrates what you think and how clearly you express yourself.

Offers of admission are mailed by April 1. To accept an offer of admission, the student must submit a nonrefundable enrollment deposit of $650 by May 1. The enrollment deposit is credited toward first-semester charges.

Special Admissions Requirements for Specific Programs

The following programs at the University have requirements in addition to those stated for general admission.

College of Arts & Sciences For all applicants, the SAT Subject Test in Foreign Language is recommended, in addition to another subject test of your choosing.

For the Accelerated Medical and Accelerated Dental Programs, SAT Subject Tests are required in Chemistry and Math 2. An SAT Foreign Language Test is strongly recommended. An interview is required for finalists.

College of Fine Arts Candidates for the Acting and Theatre Arts programs in the School of Theatre must audition for admission. Candidates for the Design, Production, and Stage Management programs must present a portfolio in an interview with faculty. All Visual Arts applicants are required to submit a portfolio. All Music applicants must audition. Candidates for the Theory and Composition program must audition and present a portfolio. Music and Theatre auditions are held in Boston and numerous cities across the country.

Advanced Standing and Credit by Examination

Students entering Boston University who have achieved satisfactory scores on SAT Subject Tests may qualify for advanced standing in certain academic areas. Students with test scores of 3, 4, or 5 on certain College Board Advanced Placement tests may receive college credit, as well as advanced standing, depending on the student’s program of study. Some University programs do not grant advanced placement or college credit.

International Baccalaureate Boston University awards freshman-level credit for most higher level examinations passed with a score of 5 or better. Credit can be applied toward most degree programs. Consult Admissions at 617-353-4492 for further details.

Early Decision

Students who select Boston University as their first choice may apply under our binding Early Decision program. Early Decision has an application deadline of November 1. Early Decision candidates are also required to submit the Early Decision Agreement, which can be found on The Common Application. Decisions are made by mid-December for Early Decision candidates.

Students who are not admitted under Early Decision and who are deferred to Regular Decision will be considered for admission only after they submit their midyear grades. Students deferred from Early Decision to Regular Decision will be notified of a final admissions decision no later than April 1.

The Early Decision Program is an option exclusively for high school seniors applying for September admission; some programs do not offer an Early Decision option. Visit Early Decision for further details.

Early Decision candidates seeking financial aid must submit a CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE. The PROFILE must be received by the College Board by November 1. Students must also submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 15.

Students admitted under Early Decision must submit a nonrefundable enrollment deposit of $650 by January 15, and are also required to withdraw applications to all other colleges and universities.

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Early Admission

Early Admission provides an opportunity for exceptional students to enter undergraduate programs before graduating from high school. Applicants must complete three years of secondary school and may apply only for September admission. Early admission is most often justified in cases where the student has exhausted the academic challenges available at the high school level. Early admission candidates must present an academic record of notable achievement and superior test scores, and demonstrate exceptional maturity. All students who enroll early must satisfy the University’s requirement of a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to the fall semester of their sophomore year. Some programs do not have an early admission option.

January Admission

Freshmen may apply for January admission to all schools and colleges except the School of Theatre within the College of Fine Arts, the School of Management, the Accelerated Medical and Dental Programs, the New Jersey Medical Program, the College of General Studies, and the Science and Engineering Program within Metropolitan College.

Transfer students may apply for entrance in January to all programs that admit upper division students.

Deferred Admission

Students who are offered admission to Boston University as freshmen may postpone entering the University for up to one year, provided they do not enroll as degree candidates at any other collegiate institution during the interim. Students must download and complete a Request for Deferral form, available at Office of Admissions. A $650 nonrefundable enrollment deposit is required when the Request for Deferral form is submitted to reserve deferred placement in the class. Transfer students are not eligible for deferred admission.

Admission of International Students

Boston University defines an international student as any citizen of a country other than the United States who has or will need a nonimmigrant visa to study at Boston University. Permanent residents of the United States, immigrant visa (“green card”) holders, and refugees are treated as U.S. citizens in the admissions process.

International students wanting to apply to Boston University should complete the Common Application, including the required Boston University Supplement, which can be found at The Common Application. Applications must be submitted by November 1 for January admission and by January 1 for students applying for September admission.

In addition to the academic record and test scores required of all students, international students who do not speak English as a native language must meet the English Language proficiency requirements of the programs to which they are applying. Information about the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) may be obtained from United States embassies and consulates, United States Information Service Offices, and many American and international secondary schools throughout the world. In addition, students may contact TOEFL directly at TOEFL Services, Educational Testing Service, P.O. Box 6151, Princeton, NJ 08541-6151 U.S.A.; 609-771-7100 (609-771-7714 TTY); via e-mail at toefl@ets.org; or by visiting TOEFL. In lieu of the TOEFL Exam, students may also submit results of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Information on IELTS may be obtained at IELTS. To learn more about TOEFL and IELTS, visit Office of Admissions.

International students must demonstrate proficiency in the English language in order to benefit fully from their academic programs. On the basis of a writing assessment examination administered on the University campus, newly admitted international students may be either (1) assigned to a regularly required English course as part of their academic program, or (2) assigned to a special, noncredit English course and a reduced number of credit courses in their program of study.

Financial aid is not available to international students. International students must submit evidence of financial support for their educational and living expenses while at Boston University. The required documents are described at Office of Admissions. A limited number of merit scholarships are available. For information, contact Admissions at 617-353-4492 or visit Scholarships for International Students.

For additional information pertaining to international applicants, please visit the international section of the Admissions Office. You may also contact Admissions at intadmis@bu.edu or at 617-353-4492.

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Admission of Transfer Students

Boston University accepts applications for transfer admission from students who have been or are enrolled as degree candidates at another college or university. You are not considered a transfer applicant if you have only taken college classes as a non-degree student. Students on academic or disciplinary probation, or who have been suspended from another college or university, must wait one full academic year before filing an application for transfer admission to Boston University. Students who previously applied for admission to Boston University and were offered admission to the College of General Studies or to the Science and Engineering Program, or who were denied admission to the University, must complete one full academic year of coursework before filing an application for transfer admission to Boston University.

All of the schools and colleges of Boston University accept applications for transfer admission except for the College of General Studies and the Science and Engineering Program at Metropolitan College. Certain programs, however, do not permit transfer applications, including the Accelerated Medical and Dental Programs. Transfer students may not apply as an “undeclared” student. Applicants seeking transfer admission should consult BU Admissions to determine whether they are eligible to apply to the program in which they are interested.

An applicant for transfer admission must submit:

Official transcripts from all colleges attended
Official secondary school transcript, including proof of graduation or equivalent
Official test scores from the SAT or the ACT
At least one letter of recommendation from a professor or college administrator
A College Official’s Report from all colleges attended as a degree candidate. (This form can be downloaded from The Common Application.)
An essay as described in the Boston University Supplement located on the Common Application website
The results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) if the student’s native language is not English

Applicants for transfer admission must file their application by April 1 for September admission and by November 1 for January admission. Additional material and/or earlier deadlines may be required for a particular program of study. Further information may be found on BU Admissions.

Intra-University Transfer

Current Boston University students in good standing may transfer within the University to any of the eight undergraduate degree-granting schools and colleges at Boston University. Check the transfer information of a particular school or college because policies may vary. Students may obtain an Intra-University Transfer Form from their current school or college and apply directly to the new school or college. Students should check with the advising office of the school or college in which they are interested regarding intra-University transfer requirements, procedure, and deadlines.

Second Bachelor’s Degrees

Students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree may apply to the University to pursue a second bachelor’s degree. The deadline for September admission is January 1, and for January admission the deadline is November 1. Credit that was earned toward a first bachelor’s degree cannot be considered for transfer. Admitted students must meet all of the degree and residency requirements of the school or college and program of admission. Students who enroll in a second baccalaureate program may be eligible for some types of loan funding, but they cannot be considered for institutional financial aid funds, or federal or state grants.

Visiting Students

Students may apply to spend one semester or academic year at the University’s College of Arts & Sciences or School of Management. The deadline for September admission is April 1, and for January admission the deadline is November 1. Interested students should download and complete a Visiting Student Application form available on BU Admissions. International students must complete the Common Application and should call Admissions at 617-353-4492 or e-mail intadmis@bu.edu.

Special Admissions Information for Schools and Colleges

Special admissions information for specific programs and for transfer admission at some schools, colleges, and programs is provided directly by the school or college of admission.

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College of Arts & Sciences

Accelerated Liberal Arts/Medical Education Combined Degree Program

Admission is designed for highly competent graduates of secondary schools who have decided to pursue a medical career. It allows for early admission into the Boston University School of Medicine so that students can complete their undergraduate and medical school educations at the accelerated rate of seven years. Applicants must present evidence of academic achievement of the highest quality and should have received College Board SAT scores in at least the top 10 percent of national competition. Students must also take the SAT Subject Tests as described in the section listing special admissions requirements. All College Board tests must be completed by the December test administration. In addition, the SAT Foreign Language Subject Test is strongly recommended, and may be taken at the January administration.

The recommended high school/secondary school curriculum includes:

four years of English;
three to four years of mathematics;
three to four years of laboratory science;
three to four years of history and/or social science;
two to four years of a foreign language.

You are also required to complete a full year of calculus and physics as part of your high school/secondary school curriculum.

Applications for the fall semester must be postmarked on or before December 1. Decisions are usually announced in April. The Joint Admissions Committee, consisting of representatives of the Boston University School of Medicine and the College of Arts & Sciences, can consider candidates who are completing four full academic years of secondary school education and who are currently high school seniors, or students who have completed high school but have not enrolled in any college-level degree granting program.

If eligible for further consideration for the program, applicants will be contacted for personal interviews with representatives of the Joint Admissions Committee. Eligibility may be determined only after Boston University has received an application, secondary school transcripts, counselor and teacher recommendations, and required test scores. The mandatory personal interview will be scheduled through the Admissions office only after the candidate has been notified that an interview will be required. Applicants who are not eligible for further consideration for the program will not be interviewed, but will be considered for regular admission to the pre-medical program at the College of Arts & Sciences.

Secondary school applicants who have taken college-level courses that count toward requirements or augment their studies are fully eligible for consideration for the program. Transfer applicants, however, will not be considered for the accelerated program, but may apply for the conventional pre-medical program.

Accelerated Liberal Arts/Dental Education Combined Degree Program

Admission is designed for highly competent graduates of secondary schools who have decided to pursue a career in dentistry. It allows for early admission into the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine so that students can complete their undergraduate and dental school educations at the accelerated rate of seven years. Applicants must present evidence of academic achievement of the highest quality and should have received College Board SAT scores in at least the top 15 percent of national competition. Students must also take the SAT Subject Tests as described in the section listing special admissions requirements. All College Board tests must be completed by the December test administration. In addition, the SAT Foreign Language Subject Test is strongly recommended, and may be taken at the January administration.

The recommended high school/secondary school curriculum includes:

four years of English;
three to four years of mathematics;
three to four years of laboratory science;
three to four years of history and/or social science;
two to four years of a foreign language.

You are also required to complete a full year of calculus and physics as part of your high school/secondary school curriculum.

Applications for the fall semester must be postmarked on or before December 1. Decisions are usually announced in April. The Joint Admissions Committee can consider candidates who are completing four full academic years of secondary school education and who are currently high school seniors, or students who have completed high school but have not enrolled in any college-level degree granting program.

New Jersey Liberal Arts/Medical Education Combined Degree Program

Admission is restricted to residents of New Jersey. Applicants to this accelerated program must present evidence of academic achievement of the highest quality and should have received College Board SAT scores in at least the top 10 percent of national competition. Students must also take the SAT Subject Tests as described in the section listing special admissions requirements. All College Board tests must be completed by the December test administration. In addition, the SAT Foreign Language Subject Test is strongly recommended, and may be taken at the January administration.

The recommended high school/secondary school curriculum includes:

four years of English;
three to four years of mathematics;
three to four years of laboratory science;
three to four years of history and/or social science;
two to four years of a foreign language.

You are also required to complete a full year of calculus and physics as part of your high school/secondary school curriculum.

Applications for the September semester must be postmarked on or before December 1.

Bachelor of Arts Program

Transfer Admission In the College of Arts & Sciences, credit for courses taken at other regionally accredited colleges or universities is usually allowed up to a maximum of 20 courses worth four credits each. To qualify for transfer credit, courses must have grades of C or better. Only courses equivalent to those offered by the undergraduate schools and colleges of Boston University are accepted for transfer.

The Admissions office evaluates the credits and coursework of admitted transfer students, and questions concerning transfer of credit and the requirements of the College of Arts & Sciences should be addressed to them.

In order for foreign coursework to be accepted for transfer credit, the foreign institution must be authorized by its Ministry of Education to grant bachelor’s degrees.

Transfer credit toward concentration requirements must be approved by the department of concentration after initial approval by the Admissions office. Transfer students should consult the College of Arts & Sciences Transfer Guide to Registration for further information.

Except under a cooperative arrangement with Boston University, no matriculated student may take courses concurrently at another institution.

For more information about the College of Arts & Sciences, visit College of Arts & Sciences.

College of Communication

Transfer Admission The College of Communication welcomes transfer students who have completed at least one semester of college-level work. Credit is granted for work completed in acceptable liberal arts courses with a grade of C or better (see Freshman-Sophomore Curriculum). Credit for applied arts (drama, painting, drawing, etc.) and communication courses taken elsewhere is subject to review for credit transfer. Any credit awarded for these courses will be only as elective credit. Interested students should contact Boston University Transfer Admissions at 617-353-2319.

School of Education

Transfer Admission The School of Education welcomes transfer students who have completed a minimum of one semester of post-secondary study. The evaluation of transfer credits is made on the basis of achievement and on how appropriate the student’s experiences are to the selected program. In instances where students wish to seek Massachusetts licensure, credit toward licensure is evaluated in light of the competencies and experiences required. The sum of all semester courses accepted from other institutions cannot exceed a total of 80 semester hours. For further information, contact the School of Education at 617-353-3177 or visit The School of Education.

College of Engineering

Transfer Admission The College of Engineering welcomes qualified transfer students who have completed a minimum of one semester of post-secondary education. Courses submitted for transfer credit are evaluated by the College of Engineering. Students must have achieved grades of C or better in such courses. The College of Engineering has a residency requirement for upper-division courses, and transferring into the College of Engineering may extend the time required for completion of a degree beyond four years.

Students interested in transferring to the College of Engineering may contact the College at 617-353-6447, or via e-mail to engineering@bu.ed, or by visiting The College of Engineering.

College of Fine Arts

Special Admission Information In addition to meeting the academic admission requirements of the University, all applicants to the College of Fine Arts (freshmen, transfers, graduate, and special) must demonstrate artistic potential in their chosen field. For complete information concerning admissions, auditions, and portfolio reviews, see The College of Fine Arts.

Students enrolled in other schools and colleges of Boston University can take advantage of minors and a wide range of courses at the College of Fine Arts that are open to the BU community. For further information contact the College of Fine Arts at 617-353-3350 or arts@bu.edu.

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College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College

Athletic Training

Freshman Admission Applicants should have successfully completed, at the secondary school level, full-year courses in biology, chemistry, and physics, with at least three years of mathematics (through pre-calculus). Applicants must show evidence of investigation of the athletic training profession.

Transfer Admission Transfer applications to the program in athletic training are accepted on a space-available basis. Students may transfer into the program until the first semester of the junior year; however, transfer during or after the sophomore year may necessitate additional time for completion of academic and clinical requirements. The selection of applicants for admission is based on college cumulative GPA, an essay, and a demonstrated interest in the field of athletic training.

Athletic Training/Doctor of Physical Therapy (AT/DPT)—Accelerated Program

Freshman Admission Applicants must have successfully completed biology, chemistry, physics, and three years of mathematics (through pre-calculus). The applicant is also required to show understanding of the fields of athletic training and physical therapy. A minimum of 20 hours of exposure to athletic training and physical therapy is recommended.

Transfer Admission The accelerated AT/DPT program accepts transfer applications. Interested students are encouraged to apply during their freshman year to ensure timely completion of the program. The average GPA for transfer students into this program is a 3.5. A one-page essay describing academic and career goals is required.

Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences

Freshman Admission Applicants should have successfully completed, at the secondary school level, a minimum of three full-year courses in the natural sciences and at least three years of mathematics (through pre-calculus). Psychology and foreign language courses are especially useful for students majoring in the speech, language and hearing sciences.

Transfer Admission The program in Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences accepts transfer applicants at any point up to the junior year. Admission is based on college GPA plus a one-page essay describing academic and career goals.

Health Science

Freshman Admission Applicants should have successfully completed, at the high school level, a minimum of three full-year courses in the natural sciences (biology, chemistry, and physics), and at least three years of mathematics (through pre-calculus).

Transfer Admission The program in Health Science accepts transfer applicants at any point up to the junior year. Admission is based on standard transfer criteria plus college science GPA and one letter of recommendation.

Human Physiology

Freshman Admission Applicants should have successfully completed, at the secondary school level, a minimum of three full-year courses in the natural sciences which include biology, chemistry, and physics; and a minimum of three years of mathematics (through pre-calculus). Calculus is highly recommended.

Transfer Admission These programs consider potential transfer students at any point up to the junior year. The selection of applicants for admission is based on standard transfer criteria plus college science grade point average (anatomy, biology, chemistry, physics, and physiology), and one letter of recommendation.

Nutrition

Freshman Admission Applicants should have successfully completed, at the high school level, a minimum of three full-year courses in the natural sciences (biology, chemistry, and physics), and at least three years of mathematics (through pre-calculus).

Transfer Admission Students may transfer into the program until the first semester of the junior year; however, transfer may necessitate additional time for completion of academic requirements. The selection of applicants for admission is based on college cumulative and science grade point averages and a personal statement.

Occupational Therapy

Freshman Admission Applicants should have successfully completed, at the secondary school level, full-year courses in biology and chemistry, and at least three years of mathematics (through pre-calculus). Although not mandatory, the following courses are particularly useful: English grammar and composition, psychology and related social science courses, physics, and public speaking. The applicant should demonstrate evidence of investigation of the field of occupational therapy or experience in human services settings, such as camps for children with special needs, community programs for the elderly or the young, and hospital volunteering.

Transfer Admission The Occupational Therapy program considers transfer applicants for the freshman or sophomore year. Junior year transfer is possible, but students must complete all pre-professional requirements (see “Pre-Professional Policies” under BS/MSOT Degree Requirements) before beginning Senior/MSOT-1 year. Admission is based on completion of freshman admission requirements, one letter of recommendation, and an experience related to occupational therapy. In addition, applicants must meet the prerequisites for the year of the Occupational Therapy program in which they wish to enroll.

Physical Therapy

Freshman Admission Applicants must have successfully completed biology, chemistry, physics, and three years of mathematics (through pre-calculus). The applicant is also required to show evidence of investigation of the field of physical therapy or experience in a physical therapy setting (e.g., camp for handicapped children, hospital, nursing home, or clinic). A minimum of ten hours of experience is recommended. No freshman applicant to the Physical Therapy program may receive advanced placement to the sophomore year, regardless of the number of AP credits toward the degree.

Transfer Admission The program in Physical Therapy accepts transfer applicants for the Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Physical Therapy (BS/DPT) program on a space available basis. The BS/DPT program accepts transfer applicants at any point from beginning of second semester freshman year up through the junior year, however, all students must complete all pre-professional requirements before the end of junior year. The average GPA for transfer students into this program is a 3.5, and they must complete at least one prerequisite science course (biology, chemistry, physics, human physiology) with a grade of C– or better.

School of Management

Transfer Admission All transfer students are required to enroll at Boston University for a minimum of five full-time semesters, regardless of the number of transferable credits, in order to complete the requirements for the bachelor of science degree. For further information, contact the School of Management at 617-353-2650 or visit the School’s website at School of Management.

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Published by Trustees of Boston University
One Silber Way
Boston, MA 02215

16 October 2009
Boston University
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